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Conference realignment: Big 12 pauses conversations with expansion candidate
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Big 12 is staying at 16 teams for now.
Conference commissioner Brett Yormark released a statement on Thursday saying the conference has “paused” its conversations with UConn about becoming a member.
“As Commissioner, it is my responsibility to explore a variety of value-creating opportunities on behalf of the Big 12. Following detailed discussions with my conference colleagues alongside UConn leadership, we have jointly decided to pause our conversations at this time. We will instead focus our attention and resources to ushering in this new era of college athletics.”
It was reported in late August that Big 12 presidents would be meeting to discuss the addition of UConn. According to the Associated Press, even if UConn had joined the Big 12, the football program would have remained independent until 2031. UConn’s other athletic programs have played in the Big East since 2020.
UConn athletic director David Benedict also released a statement on the Big 12’s decision via the team website.
“Undoubtedly, many of you have followed recent media reports about the Big 12’s renewed interest in UConn as a conference member. It is always our objective to put UConn in the very best position for future success, so we did engage in exploratory dialogue with the Big 12. Ultimately, the Big 12 determined that it will pause on conversations about membership expansion.
“I encourage all who care deeply about the Huskies to pause and reflect. Certainly, it is flattering to be courted; it says a lot about UConn and what others think of us. Further, we have enjoyed tremendous success since our return to the BIG EAST in 2020, which has included 36 conference championships (across all conferences in which we are affiliated) and, of course, our back-to-back NCAA men’s basketball titles.”
Jim Mora took UConn to a bowl game in 2022, but the Huskies went 3-9 last season. Mora’s squad opened 2024 with a 50-7 Week 1 loss at Maryland. The Huskies host Merrimack for their 2024 home-opener Saturday.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
